Spouses of SRNA's

[clc007]

This post is geared toward the spouses of those who are SRNA's. I am currently contemplating pursuing going for my CRNA, but from what I have read, it seems that it takes a LOT of time away from your family. I am married and my wife and I are looking at beginning to try to have children in the next 2 years. I would really like to hear from SRNA's that have kids or spouses of SRNA's to see what exactly your opinions are in regard to the time commitment it takes to get through a CRNA program. Any information is appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

although I am not in the program Chris, I am the sole income earner. planning on it being the same while in the program, so my bf will stay the house dad and be readily avail to the kids and to me. wow, that sounds like i am spoiled!

[aCRNAhopeful]

I would love to hear some responses to this one. Im in the same boat as the OP and it is actually the main reason I feel like I want to hold off on kids until after grad school is wrapped up. Of course, thats a tough sell to the wife and I actually dont want to wait that long either. Any advice about how to approach this issue or how to function as a family while in CRNA school?

[inpatientlywaiting]

My hubby isn't in the program yet, but He is hoping to be, and if all goes well, may start my last year of nursing school. We have 2 kids, 1 and 3, and through school, I will work a .6 as a CNA. If she's not pregnant yet, WAIT! We are scrambeling to figure out how were going to deal with child care, and with a new baby, your wife will need support you just won't have time to give. (we had our first baby the last year of my husbands RN program, and it was hard to watch him study for boards/go to class/clinicles while I was hope alone with a new baby. Plus you really don't want to misss out on that formative bonding with your baby. If you have to, it can be done. If you have a choice however, wait. You'll be glad you did. Good luck!

[papapump]

I am an SRNA who graduates this Dec. I had a kid in Feb before starting in Aug and now we have another on the way. It definitely makes things tougher. We don't have any family where I go to school so that doesn't help. CRNA school takes up A LOT of time. Programs are different so your time committment may vary. My program is integrated- clinicals and didactic while some are just classes for a year. Either way- you will be very very busy. That being said- I am still in the program. It honestly depends on the support of the spouse. Luckily, my wife has been through grad school so she knows that it takes up a lot of time and to be honest when the load was heavier and I was busy we fought a little more. But we made it through and it is a little easier now. Depending on your load though- plan on committing about 50-60 hours some weeks to school and studying. Some weeks more, some weeks less.

Also- since the children will be young- find a quiet place to study because home is impossible.

Good luck to you.

[Luckygirl3]

I agree... the demands of a CRNA program are huge! It depends on the kind of relationship you have with your spouse and the level of support you think you'll get.

My husband is just finishing nursing school - we have an 18 month old and a baby on the way. He plans on becoming a crna once he gets his ICU experience. From what Ive read, some programs require a lot more traveling than others - you may not be home much once the clinical portion begins.

Having kids now is certainly doable, but I too would recommend waiting if it's an option. Kids are a blessing when you're ready for them but they can make things a lot more complicated when you already have a lot going on.

[MatthewRN]

My mother has been a CRNA program director and staff professor in CRNA programs for almost fifteen years. Through that time, the biggest reason students have dropped out or failed is having a new baby while in the program.